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Michael Fisher, a candidate for the District 2 seat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, appeared on the first segment of WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m. For the second segment, WIZS re-aired a previous interview with incumbent Archie Taylor, Jr. per his request.
Fisher and Taylor have expressed differences in their stance on the potential restructuring of the Vance County Fire Department (VCFD) and volunteer departments as well as on County-provided funding for McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.
Serving in public safety for 43 years, including his current position as the treasurer and safety officer of the Vance County Rescue Squad, Fisher previously stated that he would retire if elected to the Board of Commissioners.
In addressing fire and safety protection, Fisher said a significant change needs to occur in the funding structure of the County’s fire departments.
“A lot of departments in this county feel that it is unfair that the paid VCFD gets a $1.3 million budget, and the volunteer departments get $100,000 apiece to operate and provide the same service. I’m not saying we do away with the VCFD, but we’ve got to find a way to make this equal out.”
Fisher said the VCFD receives General Fund and fire tax funding, while the volunteer departments, under contract to the County for services provided, only receive funding from the fire tax.
“Just recently, volunteer departments went from a 9 to a 5 or 6 fire rating. The VCFD went from a 6 to a 5, so we are all providing the same service across the board. The $300,000 in extra money VCFD gets, when you factor in paid staff and the benefits, is a big deal.”
Ultimately, Fisher said he would propose keeping the VCFD as a whole but cutting its budget and distributing the extra funds amongst the County’s eight volunteer fire departments.
“If someone quits or retires, replace that full-time person with part-time staff. You will still save the County money without raising taxes, and you’ll still have a 24-hour staff with part-time,” Fisher stated.
In his Town Talk interview that aired on September 29, Taylor, a commissioner since 2012, said he was a strong proponent of the VCFD, stating that they have served the county well for over 60 years.
“Now we have this element inside of the Rescue Squad – along with some others in our community – who would disband the VCFD,” said Taylor. “Instead of eight volunteer fire departments, there would be nine because they would get rid of the VCFD, distribute its employees and have the Rescue Squad take over firefighting in the county. I think that is absolutely a huge mistake for our county.”
While Fisher said he would like to see more funds allocated amongst volunteer departments, Taylor said he questions why the Vance County Rescue Squad receives its current level of funding.
“I question why Vance County pays over $100,000 for rescue work,” Taylor said. “As pointed out in The Daily Dispatch recently, Granville County has $20,000; Franklin has $40,000; Warren has zero dollars allocated to rescue, and yet Vance County has over $102,000. So, I’ve questioned that for six months or so, and I guess we will come to some resolution on that.”
Taylor emphasized that he has been the primary proponent for keeping the VCFD as is and acknowledged that his stance on the issue is one of the most significant differences between him and Fisher.
“A vote for me is a vote to keep the Vance County Fire Department intact,” Taylor stated.
Another topic that has emerged as a difference of opinion for Fisher and Taylor is the appropriate level of County funding for the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center located in downtown Henderson.
Serving on the Vance County Intergovernmental Committee that recently voted to provide McGregor Hall with a $50,000 allocation from the County’s Coronavirus Relief Funds, Taylor said he’s committed to assisting the performing arts center.
“McGregor Hall is one of the only performing arts centers of its kind in the state that gets no public money at this time,” Taylor explained. “It brings our community over $2 million in revenue every year based on a study done by NC State University. I think it’s important that we figure out some way to help McGregor Hall because it provides a big economic impact to our community, and we want big economic impacts.”
Acknowledging the hardships McGregor Hall has faced this year with COVID restrictions, Fisher said he hopes to see the center maintain self-sufficiency moving forward.
“They’ve done really well on their own until COVID came up,” Fisher commented. “I think they need to be self-sufficient if they can. It would have to be a hard time to actually put them on the County’s payroll.”
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)
Local Schools and Local Sports Now
/by John C. RoseWIZS SportsTalk Tuesday at 1 p.m. featured guests Homer Ramirez, executive director NC Independent School Athletic Association, and George Marshall, athletic director and head men’s basketball coach at Henderson Collegiate.
Following a question and answer with WIZS’ Trey Snide, Ron Noel and John Rose, and after both guests had concluded the show, came a strong set of opinions at the end of the show concerning how listeners and readers source the information shared on social media, that social media should not be used to tear down and tear apart institutions and their beliefs.
Later in the week, WIZS will have Dr. Anthony Jackson on WIZS TownTalk at 11 a.m. Thursday to find out more about Plan C for the rest of the semester and how it will affect sports preparation.
Independent Schools in North Carolina and schools like Henderson Collegiate have resumed school and sports.
Ramirez said, “It’s been a labor of love. The kids are playing, so kuddos to our heads of school and those behind the scenes.”
To Hear the Full Segment Click Play…
Ramirez said this isn’t the norm and where we want to settle. Ramirez said he’s really proud of how schools have managed. “Happy is a fair term.”
NCISAA schools are playing fall sports.
Ramirez said we’ve experienced hiccups and that’s part of the learning curve. He said he hates the impact covid is having on the health of Americans; As schools, we have to learn to overcome.
Marshall said practices start tomorrow. He said students are required to wear masks in the building, doesn’t matter that it’s sports. For Marshall and Henderson Collegiate, it’s “safety first and then skill development and camaraderie.”
“The kids are stoked,” Marshall said. He said, as a parent, quarantine has been really difficult on kids of all ages. “For us to be able to provide a safe space, we believe that is going to be really beneficial going forward.”
Marshall explained the philosophy of Henderson Collegiate saying “what will benefit the most athletes is what we are working on this year, which is to raise the standard for all sports. Our support and administrators are there to get us off the ground.”
Town Talk 10/13/20: Taylor and Fisher Face Off for District 2 Commissioner’s Seat
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Michael Fisher, a candidate for the District 2 seat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, appeared on the first segment of WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m. For the second segment, WIZS re-aired a previous interview with incumbent Archie Taylor, Jr. per his request.
Fisher and Taylor have expressed differences in their stance on the potential restructuring of the Vance County Fire Department (VCFD) and volunteer departments as well as on County-provided funding for McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.
Taylor, Dist. 2 County Commissioner Candidates
Serving in public safety for 43 years, including his current position as the treasurer and safety officer of the Vance County Rescue Squad, Fisher previously stated that he would retire if elected to the Board of Commissioners.
In addressing fire and safety protection, Fisher said a significant change needs to occur in the funding structure of the County’s fire departments.
“A lot of departments in this county feel that it is unfair that the paid VCFD gets a $1.3 million budget, and the volunteer departments get $100,000 apiece to operate and provide the same service. I’m not saying we do away with the VCFD, but we’ve got to find a way to make this equal out.”
Fisher said the VCFD receives General Fund and fire tax funding, while the volunteer departments, under contract to the County for services provided, only receive funding from the fire tax.
“Just recently, volunteer departments went from a 9 to a 5 or 6 fire rating. The VCFD went from a 6 to a 5, so we are all providing the same service across the board. The $300,000 in extra money VCFD gets, when you factor in paid staff and the benefits, is a big deal.”
Ultimately, Fisher said he would propose keeping the VCFD as a whole but cutting its budget and distributing the extra funds amongst the County’s eight volunteer fire departments.
“If someone quits or retires, replace that full-time person with part-time staff. You will still save the County money without raising taxes, and you’ll still have a 24-hour staff with part-time,” Fisher stated.
In his Town Talk interview that aired on September 29, Taylor, a commissioner since 2012, said he was a strong proponent of the VCFD, stating that they have served the county well for over 60 years.
“Now we have this element inside of the Rescue Squad – along with some others in our community – who would disband the VCFD,” said Taylor. “Instead of eight volunteer fire departments, there would be nine because they would get rid of the VCFD, distribute its employees and have the Rescue Squad take over firefighting in the county. I think that is absolutely a huge mistake for our county.”
While Fisher said he would like to see more funds allocated amongst volunteer departments, Taylor said he questions why the Vance County Rescue Squad receives its current level of funding.
“I question why Vance County pays over $100,000 for rescue work,” Taylor said. “As pointed out in The Daily Dispatch recently, Granville County has $20,000; Franklin has $40,000; Warren has zero dollars allocated to rescue, and yet Vance County has over $102,000. So, I’ve questioned that for six months or so, and I guess we will come to some resolution on that.”
Taylor emphasized that he has been the primary proponent for keeping the VCFD as is and acknowledged that his stance on the issue is one of the most significant differences between him and Fisher.
“A vote for me is a vote to keep the Vance County Fire Department intact,” Taylor stated.
Another topic that has emerged as a difference of opinion for Fisher and Taylor is the appropriate level of County funding for the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center located in downtown Henderson.
Serving on the Vance County Intergovernmental Committee that recently voted to provide McGregor Hall with a $50,000 allocation from the County’s Coronavirus Relief Funds, Taylor said he’s committed to assisting the performing arts center.
“McGregor Hall is one of the only performing arts centers of its kind in the state that gets no public money at this time,” Taylor explained. “It brings our community over $2 million in revenue every year based on a study done by NC State University. I think it’s important that we figure out some way to help McGregor Hall because it provides a big economic impact to our community, and we want big economic impacts.”
Acknowledging the hardships McGregor Hall has faced this year with COVID restrictions, Fisher said he hopes to see the center maintain self-sufficiency moving forward.
“They’ve done really well on their own until COVID came up,” Fisher commented. “I think they need to be self-sufficient if they can. It would have to be a hard time to actually put them on the County’s payroll.”
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)
Henderson’s Sewer System Bypasses 144,300 Gallons of Untreated Water
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, City of Henderson
The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 144,300 gallons of untreated water on October 11, 2020, through October 12, 2020, due to inflow/infiltration from heavy rain.
The overflows occurred at Sandy Creek Pump Station and several manholes including Neatherly Street, the intersection of Pinkston Street/Farrar Avenue, the intersection of Alexander Avenue/S. Elizabeth Street, S. Pinkston St. (Green Acres), E. Rockspring St., and the intersection of Alexander Avenue/Willow Lane.
Approximately 139,050 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Sandy Creek. Approximately 5,250 gallons were contained on the ground.
North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.
Questions concerning this matter should be directed to Joey Long Jr – Collection System ORC at (252) 226-4492, Christy Lipscomb – HWRF Interim Director/ORC at (252) 430-9387, or Public Works Director – Andy Perkinson at (252) 431-6117.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 10-13-20 – Hornets
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
Local Noon News 10/13/20
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Antavian Cornelius Yancey, Wanted for Murder of Vance Co. Woman, Located and Arrested
Henderson-Vance Downtown Development & HPD to Sponsor Downtown ‘Trunk-or-Treat’ Event
Henderson Men’s Shelter Will Open for 2020-2021 Season on Nov. 1
Early Voting Begins This Week – Thurs. Oct. 15
Click Play for Full Details and Local News Audio…
Trunk Or Treat Event; Men’s Shelter; Early Voting
Vance Co. Board of Education Votes to Remain in Plan C
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Vance County Schools
On July 17, 2020, the Vance County Board of Education voted to begin the 2020-2021 school year in Plan C, fully remote learning.
It was decided that the Board would revisit the decision at the end of the first nine-weeks to determine the next steps for the district. That decision came on Monday, October 12, 2020, as the Board voted 5 – 2 to remain in Plan C for the remainder of the first semester.
The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2020, at 6 p.m.
To stay updated on VCS decisions and announcements, please visit the District’s website or Facebook page.
Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill Scheduled for Oct. 15
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety
The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is a worldwide earthquake safety movement involving 17.1 million people throughout 2020 (and counting). Most participate in ShakeOut by registering to practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” and many do much more.
Please visit https://www.shakeout.org/
The drill can be completed together in-person or at home via videoconferencing. Once registered you will:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants are adapting their ShakeOut activities through videoconferencing, choosing staggered or alternative dates, and following local health and safety guidelines (see ShakeOut.org/covid19).
From Brian Short, director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations:
There are three levels of participation in International ShakeOut Day. Level 1 is basic level participation, and that is the level in which the local area will be participating.
NC is subject to earthquakes. Earthquakes do, in fact, occur more frequently than most people realize. It is important for us all to know what to do in the event one should occur in our area.
Unlike the statewide tornado exercise, there will not be any sort of announcement made via radio, TV or otherwise. It is up to each agency or individual to initiate their own participation at the appropriate time.
Rowland St. Gunshot Victim Identified
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Henderson Police Department
On Sunday, October 11, 2020, at approximately 8:20 p.m., officers of the Henderson Police Department were dispatched to 406 Rowland Street to investigate a shooting.
When they arrived, they located William Glen Nicholson Jr., (44) of 111 Walker Ln. Warrenton, NC, suffering from a gunshot wound. William Nicholson Jr. had succumbed to his injuries prior to officers’ arrival.
The location of the incident is the home of Kadashia Perry (26), Nicholson’s wife, where she and several other relatives reside.
This investigation is still being deemed a domestic-related incident and remains open for further investigation and evidence review.
Reminder: Early Voting Starts Thursday, October 15
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Information courtesy Vance County Board of Elections
Early voting begins Thursday, October 15 and ends Saturday, October 31, 2020.
In Vance County, early voting will be held at the Henderson Operation Center (900 S Beckford Dr., Henderson) and Aycock Recreation Complex (307 Carey Chapel Rd., Henderson). There will be no early voting at the Board of Elections Office due to COVID restrictions.
You must have “proof of residence;” however, no photo ID is required for this election.
The last regular day to register to vote in the November General Election was Friday, October 9, 2020. If you missed that deadline, you can register and vote at the early voting sites.
One-Stop Early Voting Schedule for the November 3, 2020 General Election
Locations: Aycock Recreation Complex and Henderson Operation Center
If you are not sure if you are registered to vote, please call the Vance County Board of Elections at (252) 492-3730 to verify your status.
Both Carolinas Win; UNC Football and Panthers Recap
/by John C. RoseThe Monday edition of WIZS SportsTalk and Coach’s Corner with Trey Snide celebrated the weekend’s victories of both Carolinas, being UNC Football and the Carolina Panthers.
Mike Davis for the Panthers had combined scrimmage yards of 149 and a receiving touchdown. Davis is averaging 83 yards on the ground since becoming the starter for the injured Christian McCaffrey. With the win, the Panthers moved into a tied for first place in the NFC South. The Teddy Bridgewater led offense and pair of wide receivers in Ryan Anderson and DJ Moore have the Panther offense moving up in the Power Rankings.
As for the Tar Heels, UNC has moved up to number five in the AP Top 25 poll, the best since 2015 when they were 14th in the country. This past Saturday was a record-setting day for the UNC offense, let by the two-headed running back committee of Michael Carter and Javonte Williams. Up next for the Tar Heels is Florida State.
For the full replay of today’s show, click play below…